Thymic mast cells: at three-way crossroads

• Valeriya V. Gusel’nikova
• Alexander V. Polevshchikov

Abstract

The review examines the role of thymic mast cells in the interaction of three integrative systems - nervous, endocrine and immune. Mast cell structure, the mechanism of connections with nerve terminals, the spectrum of mediators and hormones that provide intercellular communication are analyzed. It has been shown that mast cells are both receptor and effector cells that enhance the mechanisms of nervous regulation. The review also provides arguments in favor of mast cell contribution to the thymus endocrine function. The role of thymic mast cells in the cooperation of three integrative systems is considered in the context of regulation of T-cell maturation and differentiation.

Keywords:thymus; mast cells; neuro-mast cells contacts; neuropeptides; T-cell differentiation; thymic hormones

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